Leh: Curfew Relaxed for Seven Hours Amid Tense Calm
Leh: Authorities on Tuesday relaxed curfew in violence-hit Leh town for seven hours from 10 AM, allowing markets to reopen and providing some relief to residents after a week of restrictions, officials said.
On Monday, curbs were eased for two hours following the last rites of four people — including a retired Army personnel — who died in the September 24 clashes between protesters and security forces.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, no untoward incident has been reported. Police and paramilitary forces remain deployed in sensitive areas to ensure law and order,” a police official said.
The relaxation, initially from 10 AM to 2 PM, was later extended. Officials said further decisions would depend on the situation. During this period, the Additional District Magistrate permitted the opening of groceries, hardware, vegetable shops and other essential services.
Earlier, on Saturday, the curfew was relaxed for the first time for two separate two-hour intervals. However, mobile internet remains suspended in Leh, while prohibitory orders against gatherings of five or more people are still in place across major parts of Ladakh, including Kargil.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been holding daily security review meetings. Appealing for calm, he urged people not to “fall prey to anti-social and anti-national elements” and assured that the administration was committed to addressing legitimate concerns through dialogue.
He also directed officials to strengthen intelligence gathering, engage with communities, and address grievances swiftly to build public trust.
The curfew was imposed on September 24 after violent protests during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Over 60 people, including two councillors, were arrested. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and sent to Jodhpur jail.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP demanded a thorough probe into the violence and the release of those charged with minor offences. Offering condolences to the bereaved families, the party urged citizens to maintain peace and unity.
“Ladakh is known for its beauty and resilience. Let us not take law and order into our hands or fall for misinformation. Together, we must work towards healing and reconciliation,” the party said in a statement.
